Lira, Uganda – Lira City Woman MP and Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero visited Ngetta Catholic Parish on 5th January 2025, where she praised the community’s faith, unity, and commitment to development.
Dr. Aceng, who attended mass at Holy Martyrs’ Cathedral in Ngetta, later interacted with catechists, religious leaders, and parishioners, pledging continued support for the area.
During her speech, Dr. Aceng expressed gratitude to the people of Ngetta for their unwavering support in the 2021 general elections, where she secured over 35,054 votes, defeating her closest rival Joy Atim Ongom who garnered 12,088 votes.
She appealed to the congregation to support her again in the upcoming 2026 elections, assuring them that her leadership would bring more developmental projects to Lira City and beyond.
“I thank you for voting for me wholeheartedly in 2021. I am returning with hopes that you will do the same so we can continue developing Lira City together,” she said.
Dr. Aceng also donated UGX 500,000 to the clergy and UGX 3 million to the Women Guild of Ngetta Parish, who in turn pledged their continued support for her political career.
The Minister was also gifted with goats and other tokens of appreciation from the catechists.
In her address, Dr. Aceng encouraged residents to adopt President Museveni’s four-hectare model of farming to increase productivity and fight poverty.
She noted that current crops such as sim-sim and soya earn minimal profit and urged farmers to embrace profitable farming methods.
“Hard work is key to overcoming poverty. Laziness will only bring more suffering. Those with large pieces of land should adopt the four-hectare model alongside their traditional farming practices,” she advised.
She further emphasized the importance of group formation, encouraging residents to unite around shared visions to benefit from government programs such as Emyooga.
She urged them to be truthful, hardworking, and supportive of each other, warning against jealousy and division, which hinder development.
Highlighting her contributions to the region’s health sector, Dr. Aceng pointed to significant developments at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, including the establishment of kidney dialysis services and brain surgery capabilities.
She recalled her long service at the hospital, where she worked for 15 years, rising through the ranks to become the Director.
She assured the community that as both MP and Minister of Health, she holds a strategic position to lobby for more developmental projects in Lango.
“I have the ability and power to request for any project. My being both an MP and Minister gives me the weight needed to lobby for this region,” she said.
Aceng also dismissed accusations from her political rivals that she interferes with businesses in Lira City, stating that such claims are driven by jealousy.
She recounted how she had refused to get involved in a land dispute brought to her by the same individuals now accusing her of wrongdoing.
Rev. Fr. Opio Constantine, head of Ngetta Catholic Parish, raised a concern about the possible displacement of Ngetta Health Centre III due to the ongoing construction of the Lira–Acholi Bur road by Gulsan Construction Company.
He appealed to Dr. Aceng to intervene, noting that the health facility serves many residents and would require relocation if affected by the road project.
Fr. Constantine commended Dr. Aceng for her tireless efforts in supporting health and development initiatives in the region.
He also urged the catechists and the wider community to remain appreciative of leaders who deliver tangible results.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Aceng called on the Lango people to avoid jealousy and embrace unity for the sake of development.
She cited past instances where important projects meant for Lango were lost to other regions due to internal conflicts and infighting.
“We missed out on projects like the Gulu Hospital because of jealousy. Let us leave behind such attitudes if we truly want development,” she remarked.
Dr. Aceng concluded by reaffirming her commitment to serving Lira City and Lango as a whole, focusing on health, education, and infrastructure.
With her inspiring speech and tangible support, Dr. Aceng left the people of Ngetta hopeful and committed to her leadership in the years to come.